Season 2026 – February Update

BROTHERS RUGBY UPDATE – February 2026

Rugby Director/Club Coach

Leo Bosch came to his first training on Wednesday, and after he watched the attendees go through their fitness paces, he then took them over for a skills session. He is a breath of fresh air and is young, enthusiastic, highly knowledgeable, and very personable. He exceeded expectations at the first session.

Our focus is on individual skills. Attendance at training can be patchy for any number of reasons, so we are trying to ensure that our ball handling, defensive skills, and rucking are at an appropriate level. We will then look at basic team skills that can be worked on regardless of who or how many people make training.

So come on down and see how we run things – some fitness, some individual skills, some small group work. Some BBQ work at the end. All run by professionals. Starts at 7 pm Wednesdays and ends at 9 pm. A great way to clear your head after a day at work or studying.

Recruiting

We just completed our second-ever university recruiting campaign at ACU, Notre Dame, and Campion College campuses. We are learning as we go, and expressions of interest (EOI) were up 25 per cent on last year. The real measure, though, is signed-up players, and early indications are that this too has increased.

Many thanks to Mark Joseph and Marcela Fernandez for helping out.

A small cluster of SPX Class of ’25 commenced training this week and we hope to expand on this, but it is encouraging given the amount of effort we put in to maintain links with the school. The future of the club will rely on combining SPX lads with young men and women from the universities.

We still need players for Women, Colts, and Seniors, so we need people to commit to the season as soon as possible. I could field a complete team of seniors comprised of people who have said ‘Yeah, I can play a few games, but can’t commit for the season. If you can’t commit, there can be no team, simple as that. As a one seniors team club, you know you won’t be backing up and will be playing at 3.15 pm, with some Colts as fresh reserves. We can obviously accommodate some players who can’t play every week so long as we know in advance. We can also accommodate some who may not be able to train but can play on Saturdays.

Remember that club needs come before individual needs where rugby is concerned. If we can accommodate both, then fabulous. So even if you can’t make the whole season, let us know what you can make so the club can plan ahead. Let us know your plans at play@brothersrugby.com.au

Non-Rugby Pursuits

Basketball – Bernadette Brannan is leading the mixed basketball crew at North Sydney Indoor Sports Centre on Tuesday nights, and the lads and ladettes have already had their first win. They look the part in their new gear, purchased as a result of the grant provided by Hyecorp late last year. The team still plays under the CBOBS name and is always looking for new players, so if you’re keen to play a game of two x 20-minute halves, then let us know at play@brothersrugby.com.au, and Bernadette will get back to you.

Cricket – If there is sufficient interest in establishing a social cricket team to play in the NSW Churches League at the end of the year, we may look at doing so. If anyone is keen to explore the concept and take the lead, the club is happy to help. The school is also happy to help with the recruitment process. Anyone interested in being the club’s Steve Smith, email me at president@brothersrugby.com.au

Sponsorship

New Club Sponsor – The big news is that we have secured the Chatswood Hotel as a new club sponsor. It is a one-year deal while we see how it works for both parties. We’re keen to make it a long-term relationship, so if anyone is there, let the bar staff know that you’re from Brothers Rugby. Every club needs a social ‘home’, so it’s great that Chatswood Hotel is ours – right next to Chatswood station, so it’s a great destination or start point for a night out.

Scholarships – We are still looking for sponsors for our university education scholarships ($1500 each) so if anyone knows of groups of people and/or companies who are keen on helping the club and giving a lift to a young person at university, then let me know at president@brothersrugby.com.au

Scholarships or individual donations can be tax-deductible through https://www.brothersrugby.com.au/membership/

Blue and gold membership (non-playing membership at $50) can also be paid at https://www.brothersrugby.com.au/membership/

For those who paid last year, we’ll give you a reminder. For those who didn’t, it is a good way of helping the club, even if you can’t be there.

BROTHERS IN THE CITY

It’s on again for 2026 at the same venue (L’Aqua) on 14 August.

Prices remain the same as last year – Put the date in the diary – details to follow.

Get in early and book your tickets here: https://www.trybooking.com/DKIKW

• One Ticket – $175 – Just you, on your own, looking for friends….
• Table of 10 – $1,759 – Get your mates together and book a whole table
• Couples – $300 – If you are bringing your partner
• Cash Raffle – $10.00 per ticket – The more you get, the better your chance of winning

ZUMBA ZUMBA ZEY!